2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Spacious interior with comfortable front seats
- User-friendly infotainment interface
Cons
- Low fuel-efficiency figures for the class
- Not as much cargo space as hatchback competitors
- Grabby brake-pedal feel can make it hard to stop smoothly
What's new
- The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is unchanged for 2019
- Part of the first Sonata Plug-in Hybrid generation introduced for 2016
When stepping up from a standard hybrid to a plug-in hybrid, exceptional fuel economy and all-electric range become the priorities. Unfortunately, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid doesn't stand out in these categories. Its 28 miles of all-electric range is certainly decent, but other plug-ins can go more than 50 miles on electric power before switching to gas. And once you're primarily relying on the Sonata's gas engine, you'll typically be getting around 39 mpg, according to the EPA. The Prius Prime, in comparison, gets 54 mpg.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Where the Sonata redeems itself is with its fairly conventional styling, both inside and out, and user-friendly interior. It comes with a fair amount of standard equipment as well as Hyundai's lengthy warranty coverage. But that amount of normality might not be enough to sway buyers looking for the best the plug-in hybrid market has to offer in 2019.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Driving
The plug-in accelerates to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is average for a hybrid sedan. We like the six-speed automatic transmission since it provides a more traditional shifting experience than a CVT automatic. Less impressive is the grabby feel of its brake pedal.
Comfort
The plug-in hybrid's ride is smooth on all manner of pavement, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. This car will get you to your destination without wearing you out. It's not exciting to drive, certainly, but the Sonata Hybrid heads where you point it.
Interior
The plug-in hybrid's cabin is roomy, comfortable and remarkably quiet. The seats are supportive and nicely padded. There's generally plenty of head-, legroom and shoulder room, but backseat headroom is nevertheless tighter than in the hybrid's competitors.
Utility
The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid's trunk is smaller because of the larger battery pack, leaving just 9.9 cubic feet of cargo room compared to the Sonata Hybrid's 13.3 cubic feet. The Honda Clarity and the Toyota Prius Prime also have considerably larger trunks.
Technology
Both the 7- and 8-inch touchscreens have crisp graphics and straightforward menus. But some drivers might find that it's a bit of a stretch to reach the screen comfortably. A unique gauge cluster displaying various hybrid system readouts is one of the few visible indicators that you're driving a gas-electric car.
Which Sonata Plug-in Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Though it's hard to argue with the base trim level's list of standard features, we like the Limited for its extra equipment. These include a panoramic sunroof, upscale leather interior and more driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid models
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is a midsize family sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Limited. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Total system output is 202 horsepower, which is delivered to the front wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. It has an EPA-estimated EV range of 28 miles on a full charge.